Display device

ABSTRACT

A display device includes: a display panel including first and second wirings; a control circuit board spaced apart from the display panel and including a power management circuit which provides a driving voltage to the first and second wirings; a first cable coupled to the control circuit board and electrically connecting the power management circuit and the first wiring; a second cable coupled to the control circuit board and electrically connecting the power management circuit and the second wiring; an abnormal coupling detector connected between the first and second wirings and generating first and second protection signals based on a difference between a first voltage of the first wiring and a second voltage of the second wiring; and a voltage supply controller counting the first and second protection signals, and providing a shutdown signal to the power management circuit such that the power management circuit stops providing the driving voltage.

This application claims priority to Korean Patent Application No.10-2022-0045041 filed on Apr. 12, 2022, and all the benefits accruingtherefrom under 35 U.S.C. § 119, the content of which in its entirety isherein incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND 1. Field

Embodiments relate to a display device.

2. Description of the Related Art

A display device may include a display panel displaying an image, acircuit board generating voltages for driving the display panel, and aplurality of cables (e.g., a first cable and a second cable) connectingthe display panel and the circuit board. The circuit board may providethe voltages to the display panel through the cables.

When the first cable is abnormally coupled to the circuit board, acontact resistance between the first cable and the circuit board mayincrease, and accordingly, a current flowing through the first cable maydecrease. In this case, a current flowing through the second cable mayincrease, and the display panel may be burnt due to an overcurrent.

SUMMARY

Embodiments provide a display device in which a display panel isprevented from being burnt.

A display device according to embodiments includes: a display panelincluding a first wiring and a second wiring; a control circuit boardspaced apart from the display panel and including a power managementcircuit which provides a driving voltage to the first wiring and thesecond wiring; a first cable having a first end coupled to the controlcircuit board, wherein the first cable electrically connects the powermanagement circuit and the first wiring; a second cable having a firstend coupled to the control circuit board, wherein the second cableelectrically connects the power management circuit and the secondwiring; an abnormal coupling detector connected between the first wiringand the second wiring, and which generates a first protection signal anda second protection signal based on a difference between a first voltageof the first wiring and a second voltage of the second wiring; and avoltage supply controller, which counts the first protection signal andthe second protection signal, and provides a shutdown signal to thepower management circuit such that the power management circuit stopsproviding the driving voltage.

In an embodiment, the abnormal coupling detector may include a firstdiode array including first diodes connected in series in a forwarddirection from the second wiring to the first wiring, and a second diodearray including second diodes connected in series in a forward directionfrom the first wiring to the second wiring.

In an embodiment, the first diodes and the second diodes may bediode-connected transistors.

In an embodiment, the abnormal coupling detector may further include: afirst protection signal generator, which generates the first protectionsignal in response to a voltage between the first diodes, and a secondprotection signal generator, which generates the second protectionsignal in response to a voltage between the second diodes.

In an embodiment, the first protection signal generator may include afirst switch, which is on/off according to the voltage between the firstdiodes, and the second protection signal generator may include a secondswitch which is on/off according to the voltage between the seconddiodes.

In an embodiment, the display device may further include: a first sourcecircuit board coupled to a second end of the first cable, a secondsource circuit board coupled to a second end of the second cable, andflexible circuit boards each connected between the display panel and thefirst source circuit board or between the display panel and the secondsource circuit board.

In an embodiment, when the first cable is normally coupled to thecontrol circuit board and the first source circuit board, and the secondcable is normally coupled to the control circuit board and the secondsource circuit board, a current path may not be formed between the firstwiring and the second wiring through the first diode array and thesecond diode array.

In an embodiment, when the first cable is abnormally coupled to thecontrol circuit board or the first source circuit board, a current pathmay be formed from the second wiring to the first wiring through thefirst diode array, and when the second cable is abnormally coupled tothe control circuit board or the second source circuit board, a currentpath may be formed from the first wiring to the second wiring throughthe second diode array.

In an embodiment, the voltage supply controller may count the firstprotection signal and the second protection signal every frame tocalculate a first count value and a second count value, respectively.

In an embodiment, the voltage supply controller may generate theshutdown signal when the first count value or the second count value isgreater than a preset reference count value during a preset resetperiod.

A display device according to embodiments includes: a display panelincluding pixels, and a first wiring and a second wiring which provide adriving voltage to the pixels; a gate driver, which provides gatesignals to the pixels; a data driver, which provides data voltages tothe pixels; a power management circuit, which provides the drivingvoltage to the first wiring and the second wiring, provides a gatedriving voltage to the gate driver, and provides a data driving voltageto the data driver; an abnormal coupling detector connected between thefirst wiring and the second wiring, and which generates a firstprotection signal and a second protection signal based on a differencebetween a first voltage of the first wiring and a second voltage of thesecond wiring; and a voltage supply controller, which counts the firstprotection signal and the second protection signal, and provides ashutdown signal to the power management circuit such that the powermanagement circuit stops providing the driving voltage, the gate drivingvoltage, and the data driving voltage.

In an embodiment, the abnormal coupling detector may include a firstdiode array including first diodes connected in series in a forwarddirection from the second wiring to the first wiring, and a second diodearray including second diodes connected in series in a forward directionfrom the first wiring to the second wiring.

In an embodiment, the first diodes and the second diodes may bediode-connected transistors.

In an embodiment, the abnormal coupling detector may further include: afirst protection signal generator, which generates the first protectionsignal in response to a voltage between the first diodes, and a secondprotection signal generator, which generates the second protectionsignal in response to a voltage between the second diodes.

In an embodiment, the first protection signal generator may include afirst switch which is on/off according to the voltage between the firstdiodes, and the second protection signal generator may include a secondswitch which is on/off according to the voltage between the seconddiodes.

In an embodiment, the display device may further include: a controlcircuit board spaced apart from the display panel, and including thepower management circuit; a first cable having a first end coupled tothe control circuit board, the first cable electrically connecting thepower management circuit and the first wiring; a second cable having afirst end coupled to the control circuit board, the second cableelectrically connecting the power management circuit and the secondwiring; a first source circuit board coupled to a second end of thefirst cable; a second source circuit board coupled to a second end ofthe second cable; and flexible circuit boards each connected between thedisplay panel and the first source circuit board or between the displaypanel and the second source circuit board.

In an embodiment, when the first cable is normally coupled to thecontrol circuit board and the first source circuit board and the secondcable is normally coupled to the control circuit board and the secondsource circuit board, a current path may not be formed between the firstwiring and the second wiring through the first diode array and thesecond diode array.

In an embodiment, when the first cable is abnormally coupled to thecontrol circuit board or the first source circuit board, a current pathmay be formed from the second wiring to the first wiring through thefirst diode array, and when the second cable is abnormally coupled tothe control circuit board or the second source circuit board, a currentpath may be formed from the first wiring to the second wiring throughthe second diode array.

In an embodiment, the voltage supply controller may count the firstprotection signal and the second protection signal every frame tocalculate a first count value and a second count value, respectively.

In an embodiment, the voltage supply controller may generate theshutdown signal when the first count value or the second count value isgreater than a preset reference count value during a preset resetperiod.

In the display device according to the embodiments, abnormal coupling ofthe first cable or the second cable may be detected based on adifference between the first voltage of the first wiring electricallyconnected to the first cable and the second voltage of the second wiringelectrically connected to the second cable, and supply of the drivingvoltage may be stopped when the first cable or the second cable isabnormally coupled, so that the display panel may not be burnt due tothe abnormal coupling of the first cable or the second cable.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Illustrative, non-limiting embodiments will be more clearly understoodfrom the following detailed description taken in conjunction with theaccompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a display device according to anembodiment.

FIG. 2 is a circuit diagram illustrating a pixel included in the displaydevice in FIG. 1 .

FIG. 3 is a plan view illustrating a display device according to anembodiment.

FIG. 4 is a plan view illustrating an area “A” in FIG. 3 .

FIG. 5 is a circuit diagram illustrating an abnormal coupling detectorincluded in the display device in FIG. 4 .

FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating a voltage supply controller and apower management circuit included in the display device in FIG. 1 .

FIG. 7 is a diagram for describing an abnormal coupling detector whenfirst and second cables are normally coupled.

FIG. 8 is a diagram for describing an abnormal coupling detector when afirst cable is abnormally coupled.

FIG. 9 is a diagram for describing an abnormal coupling detector when asecond cable is abnormally coupled.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating an electronic apparatusincluding a display device according to an embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

It will be understood that when an element is referred to as being“connected to” another element, it can be directly connected to theother element or intervening elements may be present therebetween. Incontrast, when an element is referred to as being “directly connectedto” another element, there are no intervening elements present.

It will be understood that, although the terms “first,” “second,”“third” etc. may be used herein to describe various elements,components, regions, layers and/or sections, these elements, components,regions, layers and/or sections should not be limited by these terms.These terms are only used to distinguish one element, component, region,layer or section from another element, component, region, layer orsection. Thus, “a first element,” “component,” “region,” “layer” or“section” discussed below could be termed a second element, component,region, layer or section without departing from the teachings herein.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particularembodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. As used herein,“a”, “an,” “the,” and “at least one” do not denote a limitation ofquantity, and are intended to include both the singular and plural,unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. For example, “anelement” has the same meaning as “at least one element,” unless thecontext clearly indicates otherwise. “At least one” is not to beconstrued as limiting “a” or “an.” “Or” means “and/or.” As used herein,the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more ofthe associated listed items. It will be further understood that theterms “comprises” and/or “comprising,” or “includes” and/or “including”when used in this specification, specify the presence of statedfeatures, regions, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/orcomponents, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or moreother features, regions, integers, steps, operations, elements,components, and/or groups thereof. Hereinafter, a display deviceaccording to embodiments of the present disclosure will be described inmore detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The same orsimilar reference numerals will be used for the same elements in theaccompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a display device 10 according toan embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 1 , the display device 10 may include a display panel100, a gate driver 200, a data driver 300, a timing controller 400, apower management circuit 500, an abnormal coupling detector 600, and avoltage supply controller 700.

The display panel 100 may include various display elements such asorganic light emitting diode (“OLED”) or the like. Hereinafter, thedisplay panel 100 including the organic light emitting diode as thedisplay element will be described for convenience. However, the presentdisclosure is not limited thereto, and the display panel 100 may includevarious display elements such as a liquid crystal display (“LCD”)element, an electrophoretic display (“EPD”) element, an inorganic lightemitting diode, a quantum dot light emitting diode, or the like inanother embodiment.

The display panel 100 may include a plurality of pixels PX. The pixelsPX may receive gate signals GS, data voltages VDAT, and driving voltagesELVDD and ELVSS. The pixels PX may emit light based on the gate signalsGS, the data voltages VDAT, and the driving voltages ELVDD and ELVSS.

The gate driver 200 (or a scan driver) may generate the gate signals GS(or scan signals) based on a gate control signal GCS and a gate drivingvoltage VGD, and may provide the gate signals GS to the pixels PX. Thegate control signal GCS may include a gate start signal, a gate clocksignal, or the like. The gate driver 200 may be implemented as a shiftregister, but is not limited thereto.

The data driver 300 (or a source driver) may generate the data voltagesVDAT based on output image data ODAT, a data control signal DCS, and adata driving voltage VDD, and may provide the data voltages VDAT to thepixels PX. The data control signal DCS may include a data clock signal,a data enable signal, or the like.

The timing controller 400 may control an operation of the gate driver200 and an operation of the data driver 300. The timing controller 400may generate the output image data ODAT, the gate control signal GCS,and the data control signal DCS based on input image data IDAT, acontrol signal CTR, and a timing control voltage VTC. The timingcontroller 400 may provide the gate control signal GCS to the gatedriver 200, and may provide the output image data ODAT and the datacontrol signal DCS to the data driver 300. The control signal CTR mayinclude a vertical synchronization signal, a horizontal synchronizationsignal, a clock signal, or the like.

The power management circuit 500 may provide the driving voltages ELVDDand ELVSS to the display panel 100, may provide the gate driving voltageVGD to the gate driver 200, may provide the data driving voltage VDD tothe data driver 300, and may provide the timing control voltage VTC tothe timing controller 400. The driving voltages ELVDD and ELVSS mayinclude a first driving voltage ELVDD and a second driving voltageELVSS. In an embodiment, the first driving voltage ELVDD may be higherthan the second driving voltage ELVSS. For example, the first drivingvoltage ELVDD may be about 24 voltages (V), and the second drivingvoltage ELVSS may be about 0 V.

The abnormal coupling detector 600 may detect whether a first cable FFC1in FIG. 4 or a second cable FFC2 in FIG. 4 , which will be describedbelow, is abnormally coupled, and may generate a first protection signalPS1 and a second protection signal PS2 according to abnormal coupling ofthe first cable FFC1 or the second cable FFC2.

Configuration and operation of the abnormal coupling detector 600 willbe described below with reference to FIGS. 5 and 7 to 9 .

The voltage supply controller 700 may count the first protection signalPS1 and the second protection signal PS2, and may provide a shutdownsignal SD to the power management circuit 500 such that the voltagesupply controller 700 stops providing the driving voltages ELVDD andELVSS, the gate driving voltage VGD, and the data driving voltage VDD tothe power management circuit 500 to the display panel 100, the gatedriver 200, and the data driver 300, respectively.

An operation of the voltage supply controller 700 will be describedbelow with reference to FIG. 6 .

FIG. 2 is a circuit diagram illustrating the pixel PX included in thedisplay device 10 in FIG. 1 .

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2 , the pixel PX may include a first transistorT1, a second transistor T2, a storage capacitor CST, and a lightemitting element EL.

The first transistor T1 may provide a driving current IEL to the lightemitting element EL. A first electrode of the first transistor T1 may beconnected to a first power line VDDL that transmits the first drivingvoltage ELVDD, and a second electrode of the first transistor T1 may beconnected to a first electrode of the light emitting element EL. A gateelectrode of the first transistor T1 may be connected to a secondelectrode of the second transistor T2.

The second transistor T2 may provide the data voltage VDAT to the gateelectrode of the first transistor T1 in response to the gate signal GS.A first electrode of the second transistor T2 may be connected to a dataline DL that transmits the data voltage VDAT, and the second electrodeof the second transistor T2 may be connected to the gate electrode ofthe first transistor T1. A gate electrode of the second transistor T2may be connected to a gate line GL that transmits the gate signal GS.

FIG. 2 illustrates an embodiment in which each of the first transistorT1 and the second transistor T2 is an NMOS transistor, however, thepresent disclosure is not limited thereto. In another embodiment, atleast one of the first transistor T1 and the second transistor T2 may bea PMOS transistor.

The storage capacitor CST may maintain a voltage of the gate electrodeof the first transistor T1. A first electrode of the storage capacitorCST may be connected to the gate electrode of the first transistor T1,and a second electrode of the storage capacitor CST may be connected tothe second electrode of the first transistor T1.

The light emitting element EL may emit light based on the drivingcurrent IEL The first electrode of the light emitting element EL may beconnected to the second electrode of the first transistor T1, and asecond electrode of the light emitting element EL may be connected to asecond power line VSSL that transmits the second driving voltage ELVSS.The driving current IEL may flow through the light emitting element EL,and accordingly, the driving current IEL may flow from the first powerline VDDL to the second power line VSSL.

FIG. 3 is a plan view illustrating a display device 10 according to anembodiment. FIG. 4 is a plan view illustrating an area “A” in FIG. 3 .

Referring to FIGS. 1, 2, 3, and 4 , the display device 10 may include adisplay panel 100, a control circuit board C-PBA, a first source circuitboard S-PBA1, a second source circuit board S-PBA2, a first cable FFC1,a second cable FFC2, and flexible circuit boards FPC.

The display panel 100 may include a first wiring WR1 and a second wiringWR2. In an embodiment, the second wiring WR2 may be disposed in a firstdirection DR1 from the first wiring WR1. For example, with respect to animaginary line IML, extending in a second direction DR2 crossing thefirst direction DR1 from a center of the display panel 100, the firstwiring WR1 may be disposed in a direction opposite to the firstdirection DR1 from the imaginary line IML, and the second wiring WR2 maybe disposed in the first direction DR1 from the imaginary line IML.

The first wiring WR1 and the second wiring WR2 may be electricallyconnected to each other. The first wiring WR1 and the second wiring WR2may provide the first driving voltage ELVDD or the second drivingvoltage ELVSS to the pixels PX. When the first wiring WR1 and the secondwiring WR2 provide the first driving voltage ELVDD to the pixels PX, thefirst wiring WR1 and the second wiring WR2 may be connected to the firstpower line VDDL. When the first wiring WR1 and the second wiring WR2provide the second driving voltage ELVSS to the pixels PX, the firstwiring WR1 and the second wiring WR2 may be connected to the secondpower line VSSL.

The abnormal coupling detector 600 may be disposed on the display panel100. The abnormal coupling detector 600 may be connected between thefirst wiring WR1 and the second wiring WR2. In an embodiment, theabnormal coupling detector 600 may be positioned on the imaginary lineIML.

The gate driver 200 may be disposed on the display panel 100. FIG. 3illustrates that the gate driver 200 is disposed on a side (e.g., leftside) of the display panel 100 in the first direction DR1, but thepresent disclosure is not limited thereto. In another embodiment, thegate driver 200 may be disposed on opposite sides (e.g., right side) ofthe display panel 100 in the first direction DR1 in another embodiment.

The control circuit board C-PBA may be spaced apart from the displaypanel 100 in the second direction DR2. In an embodiment, the controlcircuit board C-PBA may include the timing controller 400, the powermanagement circuit 500, and the voltage supply controller 700. The powermanagement circuit 500 may provide the first driving voltage ELVDD orthe second driving voltage ELVSS to the first wiring WR1 and the secondwiring WR2. In an embodiment, the control circuit board C-PBA may be aprinted board assembly (“PBA”).

The first source circuit board S-PBA1 and the second source circuitboard S-PBA2 may be disposed between the display panel 100 and thecontrol circuit board C-PBA. The first source circuit board S-PBA1 maybe disposed in a direction opposite to the first direction DR1 from theimaginary line IML, and the second source circuit board S-PBA2 may bedisposed in the first direction DR1 from the imaginary line IML. In anembodiment, each of the first source circuit board S-PBA1 and the secondsource circuit board S-PBA2 may be the printed board assembly (PBA).

The first cable FFC1 may be disposed between the control circuit boardC-PBA and the first source circuit board S-PBA1. A first end of thefirst cable FFC1 may be coupled to the control circuit board C-PBA, anda second end of the first cable FFC1 may be coupled to the first sourcecircuit board S-PBA1. The first cable FFC1 may transmit the firstdriving voltage ELVDD and the second driving voltage ELVSS from thecontrol circuit board C-PBA to the first source circuit board S-PBA1.The first cable FFC1 may electrically connect the power managementcircuit 500 and the first wiring WR1. In an embodiment, the first cableFFC1 may be a flexible flat cable (“FFC”).

The second cable FFC2 may be disposed between the control circuit boardC-PBA and the second source circuit board S-PBA2. A first end of thesecond cable FFC2 may be coupled to the control circuit board C-PBA, anda second end of the second cable FFC2 may be coupled to the secondsource circuit board S-PBA2. The second end may be opposite to the firstend. The second cable FFC2 may transmit the first driving voltage ELVDDand the second driving voltage ELVSS from the control circuit boardC-PBA to the second source circuit board S-PBA2. The second cable FFC2may electrically connect the power management circuit 500 and the secondwiring WR2. In an embodiment, the second cable FFC2 may be the flexibleflat cable (FFC).

Each of the flexible circuit boards FPC may be connected between thedisplay panel 100 and the first source circuit board S-PBA1 or betweenthe display panel 100 and the second source circuit board S-PBA2. Afirst end of each of the flexible circuit boards FPC may be connected tothe display panel 100, and a second end of each of the flexible circuitboards FPC may be connected to the first source circuit board S-PBA1 orthe second source circuit board S-PBA2. The second end may be oppositeto the first end.

The data driver 300 may be disposed on the flexible circuit boards FPC.The data driver 300 may be implemented in the form of an integratedcircuit, and may be mounted on the flexible circuit boards FPC.

The first driving voltage ELVDD or the second driving voltage ELVSS maybe transmitted to the first wiring WR1 from the control circuit boardC-PBA including the power management circuit 500 through the first cableFFC1, the first source circuit board S-PBA1, and the flexible circuitboards FPC connected to the first source circuit board S-PBA1. The firstdriving voltage ELVDD or the second driving voltage ELVSS may betransmitted to the second wiring WR2 from the control circuit boardC-PBA through the second cable FFC2, the second source circuit boardS-PBA2, and the flexible circuit boards FPC connected to the secondsource circuit board S-PBA2.

FIG. 5 is a circuit diagram illustrating the abnormal coupling detector600 included in the display device 10 in FIG. 4 .

Referring to FIG. 5 , the abnormal coupling detector 600 may generatethe first protection signal PS1 and the second protection signal PS2based on a difference between a first voltage V1 of the first wiring WR1and a second voltage V2 of the second wiring WR2. An electricalresistance may be formed between the first wiring WR1 and the secondwiring WR2, so that the first voltage V1 of the first wiring WR1 may besubstantially equal to or different from the second voltage V2 of thesecond wiring WR2. The abnormal coupling detector 600 may include afirst diode array 610, a second diode array 620, a first protectionsignal generator 630, and a second protection signal generator 640.

The first diode array 610 may include first diodes DE1. The first diodesDE1 may be connected in series in a forward direction from the secondwiring WR2 to the first wiring WR1. In other words, the first diodes DE1may be connected in series such that an anode of one first diode DE1 isconnected to a cathode of another first diode DE1, and an anode of theforemost first diode DE1 (e.g., rightmost first diode DE1) may beconnected to the second wiring WR2, and a cathode of the rearmost firstdiode DE1 (e.g., leftmost first diode DE1) may be connected to the firstwiring WR1. Therefore, a current flows through the first diode array 610only when the second voltage V2 of the second wiring WR2 is greater thanthe first voltage V1 of the first wiring WR1 in a predetermined amountor more.

Each of the first diodes DE1 may be a diode-connected transistor TR. Asa first electrode of the transistor TR is connected to a gate electrodeof the transistor TR, the transistor TR may function as a diode. In thiscase, the first electrode and a second electrode of the transistor TRmay function as an anode and a cathode of the diode, respectively.

The second diode array 620 may include second diodes DE2. The seconddiodes DE2 may be connected in series in a forward direction from thefirst wiring WR1 to the second wiring WR2. In other words, the seconddiodes DE2 may be connected in series such that an anode of one seconddiode DE2 is connected to a cathode of another second diode DE2, ananode of the foremost second diode DE2 (e.g., leftmost second diode DE2)may be connected to the first wiring WR1, and a cathode of the rearmostsecond diode DE2 (e.g., rightmost second diode DE2) may be connected tothe second wiring WR2. Therefore, a current flows through the seconddiode array 620 only when the first voltage V1 of the first wiring WR1is greater than the second voltage V2 of the second wiring WR2 in apredetermined amount or more.

Each of the second diodes DE2 may be a diode-connected transistor TR.

FIG. 5 illustrates an embodiment in which the diode-connected transistorTR is a PMOS transistor, but the present disclosure is not limitedthereto. In another embodiment, the diode-connected transistor TR may bean NMOS transistor.

The first protection signal generator 630 may generate the firstprotection signal PS1 in response to a voltage VD1 between the firstdiodes DE1. The first protection signal generator 630 may include afirst switch SW1 turned on/off according to the voltage VD1 between thefirst diodes DE1. The first switch SW1 may be turned on when the voltageVD1 between the first diodes DE1 is within a preset voltage range, andmay be turned off when the voltage VD1 between the first diodes DE1 isout of the preset voltage range. When the first switch SW1 is turned on,the first protection signal PS1 having a high voltage VH (e.g., about3.3 V) may be generated.

The second protection signal generator 640 may generate the secondprotection signal PS2 in response to a voltage VD2 between the seconddiodes DE2. The second protection signal generator 640 may include asecond switch SW2 turned on/off according to the voltage VD2 between thesecond diodes DE2. The second switch SW2 may be turned on when thevoltage VD2 between the second diodes DE2 is within a preset voltagerange, and may be turned off when the voltage VD2 between the seconddiodes DE2 is out of the preset voltage range. When the second switchSW2 is turned on, the second protection signal PS2 having a high voltageVH (e.g., about 3.3 V) may be generated.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating the voltage supply controller 700and the power management circuit 500 included in the display device 10in FIG. 1 .

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 6 , the voltage supply controller 700 may countthe first protection signal PS1 and the second protection signal PS2,and may provide the shutdown signal SD to the power management circuit500.

The voltage supply controller 700 may count the first protection signalPS1 every frame to calculate a first count value, and may count thesecond protection signal PS2 every frame to calculate a second countvalue.

The voltage supply controller 700 may generate the shutdown signal SDwhen the first count value or the second count value is greater than apreset reference count value RCV during a preset reset period RSP. Forexample, when the preset reset period RSP is 120 frames and thereference count value RCV is 12, if at least one of the first countvalue and the second count value is greater than 12 during 120 frames,the voltage supply controller 700 may generate the shutdown signal SD.

The power management circuit 500 may stop providing the first drivingvoltage ELVDD, the gate driving voltage VGD, and the data drivingvoltage VDD in response to the shutdown signal SD. In an embodiment,when the second driving voltage ELVSS is about 0 V, the power managementcircuit 500 may not stop providing the second driving voltage ELVSS inresponse to the shutdown signal SD. In another embodiment, when thesecond driving voltage ELVSS is not about 0 V, the power managementcircuit 500 may stop providing the second driving voltage ELVSS inresponse to the shutdown signal SD.

When the supply of the first driving voltage ELVDD is stopped based onthe shutdown signal SD, the pixels PX may not emit light. When thesupply of the gate driving voltage VGD is stopped based on the shutdownsignal SD, the operation of the gate driver 200 may be stopped, and thegate driver 200 may not generate the gate signals GS. When the supply ofthe data driving voltage VDD is stopped based on the shutdown signal SD,the operation of the data driver 300 may be stopped, and the data driver300 may not generate the data voltages VDAT.

The power management circuit 500 may not stop providing the timingcontrol voltage VTC in response to the shutdown signal SD. Accordingly,even when the shutdown signal SD is provided to the power managementcircuit 500, the timing controller 400 may be normally driven.

FIG. 7 is a diagram for describing the abnormal coupling detector 600when the first and second cables FFC1 and FFC2 are normally coupled.

Referring to FIGS. 4, 5, and 7 , when the first cable FF1 is normallycoupled to the control circuit board C-PBA and the first source circuitboard S-PBA1, and the second cable FFC2 is normally coupled to thecontrol circuit board C-PBA and the second source circuit board S-PBA2,a driving current flowing through the first wiring WR1 and a drivingcurrent flowing through the second wiring WR2 may be substantially equalto each other, and the first voltage V1 of the first wiring WR1 and thesecond voltage V2 of the second wiring WR2 may be substantially equal toeach other. For example, the first voltage V1 and the second voltage V2may each be about 24V.

When the difference between the first voltage V1 and the second voltageV2 is less than a preset difference, a current path through the firstdiode array 610 and a current path through the second diode array 620may not be formed. That is, a current flows between the first wiring WR1and the second wiring WR2 neither through the first diode array 610 northrough the second diode array 620. When the second voltage V2 isgreater than or equal to the first voltage V1, the preset difference maybe determined by the number of first diodes DE1 and threshold voltagesof the first diodes DE1. For example, when the first diode array 610includes four first diodes DE1 and the threshold voltage of each of thefirst diodes DE1 is about 0.6 V, the preset difference may be about 2.4V (=0.6 V X 4). When the first voltage V1 is greater than or equal tothe second voltage V2, the preset difference may be determined by thenumber of second diodes DE2 and threshold voltages of the second diodesDE2. For example, when the second diode array 620 includes four seconddiodes DE2 and the threshold voltage of each of the second diodes DE2 isabout 0.6 V, the preset difference may be about 2.4 V (=0.6 V X 4).

When the current path through the first diode array 610 and the currentpath through the second diode array 620 are not formed, the voltage VD1between the first diodes DE1 and the voltage VD2 between the seconddiodes DE2 may be floated. Accordingly, each of the voltage VD1 betweenthe first diodes DE1 and the voltage VD2 between the second diodes DE2may have a floating voltage FV. The first switch SW1 may be turned offwhen the voltage VD1 between the first diodes DE1 is floated, and thesecond switch SW2 may be turned off when the voltage VD2 between thesecond diodes DE2 is floated. Accordingly, the first protection signalPS1 and the second protection signal PS2 may not be generated.

FIG. 8 is a diagram for describing the abnormal coupling detector 600when the first cable FFC1 is abnormally coupled.

Referring to FIGS. 4, 5, and 8 , when the first cable FFC1 is abnormallycoupled to the control circuit board C-PBA and/or the first sourcecircuit board S-PBA1, a contact resistance between the first cable FFC1and the control circuit board C-PBA and/or a contact resistance betweenthe first cable FFC1 and the first source circuit board S-PBA1 mayincrease. Accordingly, a driving current flowing through the firstwiring WR1 may be less than a driving current flowing through the secondwiring WR2, and the second voltage V2 of the second wiring WR2 may begreater than the first voltage V1 of the first wiring WR1. For example,the first voltage V1 may be about 20 V, and the second voltage V2 may beabout 24 V.

When the second voltage V2 is greater than the first voltage V1, and thedifference between the first voltage V1 and the second voltage V2 isgreater than a preset difference, a current path from the second wiringWR2 to the first wiring WR1 through the first diode array 610 may beformed, and a current path through the second diode array 620 may not beformed. The preset difference may be determined by the number of firstdiodes DE1 and threshold voltages of the first diodes DE1. For example,when the first diode array 610 includes four first diodes DE1 and thethreshold voltage of each of the first diodes DE1 is about 0.6 V, thepreset difference may be about 2.4 V (=0.6 V X 4).

When the current path through the first diode array 610 is formed, thevoltage VD1 between the first diodes DE1 may have a value between thefirst voltage V1 and the second voltage V2. For example, when thevoltage VD1 between the first diodes DE1 is a voltage VD1 between theforemost first diode DE1 and the next first diode DE1, the voltage VD1between the first diodes DE1 may be about 22.2 V (=24 V−0.6 V X 3). Whenthe voltage VD1 between the first diodes DE1 has a value between thefirst voltage V1 and the second voltage V2, the first switch SW1 may beturned on. Accordingly, the first protection signal PS1 having the highvoltage VH may be generated.

If the current path through the second diode array 620 is not formed,the voltage VD2 between the second diodes DE2 may be floated. When thevoltage VD2 between the second diodes DE2 is floated, the second switchSW2 may be turned off. Accordingly, the second protection signal PS2 maynot be generated.

FIG. 9 is a diagram for describing the abnormal coupling detector 600when the second cable FFC2 is abnormally coupled.

Referring to FIGS. 4, 5, and 9 , when the second cable FFC2 isabnormally coupled to the control circuit board C-PBA and/or the secondsource circuit board S-PBA2, a contact resistance between the secondcable FFC2 and the control circuit board C-PBA and/or a contactresistance between the second cable FFC2 and the second source circuitboard S-PBA2 may increase. Accordingly, a driving current flowingthrough the second wiring WR2 may be less than a driving current flowingthrough the first wiring WR1, and the first voltage V1 of the firstwiring WR1 may be greater than the second voltage V2 of the secondwiring WR2. For example, the first voltage V1 may be about 24 V, and thesecond voltage V2 may be about 20 V.

When the first voltage V1 is greater than the second voltage V2, and thedifference between the first voltage V1 and the second voltage V2 isgreater than a preset difference, a current path from the first wiringWR1 to the second wiring WR2 through the second diode array 620 may beformed, and a current path through the first diode array 610 may not beformed. The preset difference may be determined by the number of seconddiodes DE2 and threshold voltages of the second diodes DE2. For example,when the second diode array 620 includes four second diodes DE2 and thethreshold voltage of each of the second diodes DE2 is about 0.6 V, thepreset difference may be about 2.4 V (=0.6 V X 4).

When the current path through the second diode array 620 is formed, thevoltage VD2 between the second diodes DE2 may have a value between thefirst voltage V1 and the second voltage V2. For example, when thevoltage VD2 between the second diodes DE2 is a voltage VD2 between theforemost second diode DE2 and the next second diode DE2, the voltage VD2between the second diodes DE2 may be about 22.2 V (=24 V−0.6 V X 3).When the voltage VD2 between the second diodes DE2 has a value betweenthe first voltage V1 and the second voltage V2, the second switch SW2may be turned on. Accordingly, the second protection signal PS2 havingthe high voltage VH may be generated.

When the current path through the first diode array 610 is not formed,the voltage VD1 between the first diodes DE1 may be floated. When thevoltage VD1 between the first diodes DE1 is floated, the first switchSW1 may be turned off. Accordingly, the first protection signal PS1 maynot be generated.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating an electronic apparatus 1100including a display device 1160 according to an embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 10 , the electronic apparatus 1100 may include aprocessor 1110, a memory device 1120, a storage device 1130, aninput/output (“I/O”) device 1140, a power supply 1150, and a displaydevice 1160. The electronic apparatus 1100 may further include aplurality of ports for communicating with a video card, a sound card, amemory card, a universal serial bus (“USB”) device, etc.

The processor 1110 may perform particular calculations or tasks. In anembodiment, the processor 1110 may be a microprocessor, a centralprocessing unit (“CPU”), or the like. The processor 1110 may be coupledto other components via an address bus, a control bus, a data bus, orthe like. In an embodiment, the processor 1110 may be coupled to anextended bus such as a peripheral component interconnection (“PCI”) bus.

The memory device 1120 may store data for operations of the electronicapparatus 1100. In an embodiment, the memory device 1120 may include anon-volatile memory device such as an erasable programmable read-onlymemory (“EPROM”) device, an electrically erasable programmable read-onlymemory (“EEPROM”) device, a flash memory device, a phase change randomaccess memory (“PRAM”) device, a resistance random access memory(“RRAM”) device, a nano floating gate memory (“NFGM”) device, a polymerrandom access memory (“PoRAM”) device, a magnetic random access memory(“MRAM”) device, a ferroelectric random access memory (“FRAM”) device,etc., and/or a volatile memory device such as a dynamic random accessmemory (“DRAM”) device, a static random access memory (“SRAM”) device, amobile DRAM device, etc.

The storage device 1130 may include a solid state drive (“SSD”) device,a hard disk drive (“HDD”) device, a CD-ROM device, or the like. The I/Odevice 1140 may include an input device such as a keyboard, a keypad, atouchpad, a touch-screen, a mouse device, etc., and an output devicesuch as a speaker, a printer, etc. The power supply 1150 may supply apower required for the operation of the electronic apparatus 1100. Thedisplay device 1160 may be coupled to other components via the buses orother communication links.

In the display device 1160, abnormal coupling of a first cable or asecond cable may be detected based on a difference between a firstvoltage of a first wiring electrically connected to the first cable anda second voltage of a second wiring electrically connected to the secondcable, and providing of a driving voltage may be stopped when the firstcable or the second cable is abnormally coupled, so that a display panelmay not be burnt due to the abnormal coupling of the first cable or thesecond cable.

The display device according to the embodiments may be applied to adisplay device included in a computer, a notebook, a mobile phone, asmart phone, a smart pad, a PMP, a PDA, an MP3 player, or the like.

Although the display devices according to the embodiments have beendescribed with reference to the drawings, the illustrated embodimentsare examples, and may be modified and changed by a person havingordinary knowledge in the relevant technical field without departingfrom the technical spirit described in the following claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A display device, comprising: a display panelincluding a first wiring and a second wiring; a control circuit boardspaced apart from the display panel and including a power managementcircuit which provides a driving voltage to the first wiring and thesecond wiring; a first cable having a first end coupled to the controlcircuit board, the first cable electrically connecting the powermanagement circuit and the first wiring; a second cable having a firstend coupled to the control circuit board, the second cable electricallyconnecting the power management circuit and the second wiring; anabnormal coupling detector connected between the first wiring and thesecond wiring, and which generates a first protection signal and asecond protection signal based on a difference between a first voltageof the first wiring and a second voltage of the second wiring; and avoltage supply controller, which counts the first protection signal andthe second protection signal, and provides a shutdown signal to thepower management circuit such that the power management circuit stopsproviding the driving voltage.
 2. The display device of claim 1, whereinthe abnormal coupling detector includes: a first diode array includingfirst diodes connected in series in a forward direction from the secondwiring to the first wiring; and a second diode array including seconddiodes connected in series in a forward direction from the first wiringto the second wiring.
 3. The display device of claim 2, wherein thefirst diodes and the second diodes are diode-connected transistors. 4.The display device of claim 2, wherein the abnormal coupling detectorfurther includes: a first protection signal generator, which generatesthe first protection signal in response to a voltage between the firstdiodes; and a second protection signal generator, which generates thesecond protection signal in response to a voltage between the seconddiodes.
 5. The display device of claim 4, wherein the first protectionsignal generator includes a first switch, which is on/off according tothe voltage between the first diodes, and wherein the second protectionsignal generator includes a second switch, which is on/off according tothe voltage between the second diodes.
 6. The display device of claim 2,further comprising: a first source circuit board coupled to a second endof the first cable; a second source circuit board coupled to a secondend of the second cable; and flexible circuit boards each connectedbetween the display panel and the first source circuit board or betweenthe display panel and the second source circuit board.
 7. The displaydevice of claim 6, wherein, when the first cable is normally coupled tothe control circuit board and the first source circuit board, and thesecond cable is normally coupled to the control circuit board and thesecond source circuit board, a current path is not formed between thefirst wiring and the second wiring through the first diode array and thesecond diode array.
 8. The display device of claim 6, wherein, when thefirst cable is abnormally coupled to the control circuit board or thefirst source circuit board, a current path is formed from the secondwiring to the first wiring through the first diode array, and wherein,when the second cable is abnormally coupled to the control circuit boardor the second source circuit board, a current path is formed from thefirst wiring to the second wiring through the second diode array.
 9. Thedisplay device of claim 1, wherein the voltage supply controller countsthe first protection signal and the second protection signal every frameto calculate a first count value and a second count value, respectively.10. The display device of claim 9, wherein the voltage supply controllergenerates the shutdown signal when the first count value or the secondcount value is greater than a preset reference count value during apreset reset period.
 11. A display device, comprising: a display panelincluding pixels, and a first wiring and a second wiring which provide adriving voltage to the pixels; a gate driver, which provides gatesignals to the pixels; a data driver, which provides data voltages tothe pixels; a power management circuit, which provides the drivingvoltage to the first wiring and the second wiring, provides a gatedriving voltage to the gate driver, and provides a data driving voltageto the data driver; an abnormal coupling detector connected between thefirst wiring and the second wiring, and which generates a firstprotection signal and a second protection signal based on a differencebetween a first voltage of the first wiring and a second voltage of thesecond wiring; and a voltage supply controller, which counts the firstprotection signal and the second protection signal, and provides ashutdown signal to the power management circuit such that the powermanagement circuit stops providing the driving voltage, the gate drivingvoltage, and the data driving voltage.
 12. The display device of claim11, wherein the abnormal coupling detector includes: a first diode arrayincluding first diodes connected in series in a forward direction fromthe second wiring to the first wiring; and a second diode arrayincluding second diodes connected in series in a forward direction fromthe first wiring to the second wiring.
 13. The display device of claim12, wherein the first diodes and the second diodes are diode-connectedtransistors.
 14. The display device of claim 12, wherein the abnormalcoupling detector further includes: a first protection signal generator,which generates the first protection signal in response to a voltagebetween the first diodes; and a second protection signal generator,which generates the second protection signal in response to a voltagebetween the second diodes.
 15. The display device of claim 14, whereinthe first protection signal generator includes a first switch, which ison/off according to the voltage between the first diodes, and whereinthe second protection signal generator includes a second switch, whichis on/off according to the voltage between the second diodes.
 16. Thedisplay device of claim 12, further comprising: a control circuit boardspaced apart from the display panel and including the power managementcircuit; a first cable having a first end coupled to the control circuitboard, the first cable electrically connecting the power managementcircuit and the first wiring; a second cable having a first end coupledto the control circuit board, the second cable electrically connectingthe power management circuit and the second wiring; a first sourcecircuit board coupled to a second end of the first cable; a secondsource circuit board coupled to a second end of the second cable; andflexible circuit boards each connected between the display panel and thefirst source circuit board or between the display panel and the secondsource circuit board.
 17. The display device of claim 16, wherein, whenthe first cable is normally coupled to the control circuit board and thefirst source circuit board, and the second cable is normally coupled tothe control circuit board and the second source circuit board, a currentpath is not formed between the first wiring and the second wiringthrough the first diode array and the second diode array.
 18. Thedisplay device of claim 16, wherein, when the first cable is abnormallycoupled to the control circuit board or the first source circuit board,a current path is formed from the second wiring to the first wiringthrough the first diode array, and wherein, when the second cable isabnormally coupled to the control circuit board or the second sourcecircuit board, a current path is formed from the first wiring to thesecond wiring through the second diode array.
 19. The display device ofclaim 11, wherein the voltage supply controller counts the firstprotection signal and the second protection signal every frame tocalculate a first count value and a second count value, respectively.20. The display device of claim 19, wherein the voltage supplycontroller generates the shutdown signal when the first count value orthe second count value is greater than a preset reference count valueduring a preset reset period.